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Lysyl oxidases: linking structures and immunity in the tumor microenvironment
Paolo Tenti1,2, Luca Vannucci3
1Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy : CII
|October 26, 2019
Summary
Lysyl oxidases (LOXs) are enzymes crucial for extracellular matrix (ECM) structure. LOXs also play significant roles in cancer development, progression, and the tumor microenvironment, offering potential anti-tumor strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Lysyl oxidases (LOXs) are enzymes essential for cross-linking collagen and elastin, maintaining extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and integrity.
- Emerging research reveals diverse non-canonical functions, substrates, and regulatory mechanisms for LOXs, integrating them into complex cellular signaling networks.
- LOX activity is intertwined with critical cell functions like survival, proliferation, and differentiation, particularly through crosstalk with TGF-β and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted roles of LOX enzymes beyond their canonical ECM functions.
- To elucidate the intricate signaling networks and feedback loops involving LOXs, TGF-β, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways.
- To investigate the involvement of LOXs in tumor initiation, progression, and the tumor microenvironment, aiming to identify novel anti-cancer therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on LOX enzymes.
- Analysis of signaling pathways, including TGF-β and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and their interactions with LOXs.
- Examination of LOX involvement in normal tissue homeostasis and tumor microenvironment development.
Main Results:
- LOX enzymes are implicated in extensive crosstalk with major signaling pathways, influencing cell functions and ECM remodeling.
- LOXs are crucial not only for ECM homeostasis but also for the establishment and maturation of the tumor microenvironment.
- Evidence supports a significant role for LOXs in epithelial cell transformation, tumor development, and invasion, even in premalignant stages.
Conclusions:
- LOX enzymes possess complex regulatory mechanisms and participate in intricate signaling networks that impact cell behavior and ECM.
- LOXs are key players in cancer, contributing to tumor initiation, progression, and the tumor immune microenvironment.
- Understanding LOX interactions within the tumor microenvironment is vital for developing effective anti-cancer strategies.
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